A 43-year-old Jordanian national residing in Florida has been slapped with serious charges for his reprehensible actions against local businesses and critical infrastructure. Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, now facing four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of wreaking havoc on an energy facility, embarked on a disturbing campaign against entities he perceived as allies of Israel, casting a shadow over the Orlando area with his threats.
Early June 2024 saw Hnaihen executing his threats by targeting these businesses, leaving behind menacing "warning letters" aimed at the U.S. government. These letters were not just empty threats; they were harbingers of his intent to "destroy or explode everything here in whole America," specifically targeting companies and factories supportive of what he referred to as the "racist state of Israel." This chilling narrative took a more destructive turn by the end of June when Hnaihen infiltrated a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida. His deliberate sabotage—demolishing solar panels, wiring, and essential electronic equipment—resulted in staggering damages exceeding $700,000.
Attorney General Merrick Garland minced no words in condemning Hnaihen's actions as driven by hate and aimed at mass violence within our nation. By explicitly targeting pro-Israel businesses, Hnaihen not only threatened the American way of life but also jeopardized its critical infrastructure. The Justice Department stands firm in its resolve; such acts and threats against Americans or their lifelines will face the full force of justice without hesitation.
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Echoing Garland's sentiments, FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the extensive financial toll Hnaihen's rampage inflicted on both the power facility and local enterprises. In no uncertain terms, Wray affirmed that any form of violence or property destruction aimed at intimidation is unacceptable and will be met with relentless pursuit and prosecution by law enforcement agencies.
With his arrest on July 11, Hnaihen now potentially faces decades behind bars—a testament to the gravity with which federal authorities view such offenses. Each threat could land him 10 years in federal prison, while the destruction of an energy facility could see him sentenced to 20 years if convicted.
This case is far from isolated—it sends a clear message that terrorism under any guise will not find safe harbor on American soil. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan leads the prosecution effort for the Middle District of Florida with backing from the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. As this case progresses through our judicial system, it serves as a stark reminder: America remains unwavering in its commitment to protect its citizens and uphold justice against those who seek harm upon its bedrock principles and alliances.
Early June 2024 saw Hnaihen executing his threats by targeting these businesses, leaving behind menacing "warning letters" aimed at the U.S. government. These letters were not just empty threats; they were harbingers of his intent to "destroy or explode everything here in whole America," specifically targeting companies and factories supportive of what he referred to as the "racist state of Israel." This chilling narrative took a more destructive turn by the end of June when Hnaihen infiltrated a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida. His deliberate sabotage—demolishing solar panels, wiring, and essential electronic equipment—resulted in staggering damages exceeding $700,000.
Attorney General Merrick Garland minced no words in condemning Hnaihen's actions as driven by hate and aimed at mass violence within our nation. By explicitly targeting pro-Israel businesses, Hnaihen not only threatened the American way of life but also jeopardized its critical infrastructure. The Justice Department stands firm in its resolve; such acts and threats against Americans or their lifelines will face the full force of justice without hesitation.
Get the latest, most crucial news stories on the web – sent straight to your inbox for FREE as soon as they hit! Sign up for WayneDupree.com Email News Alerts in just 30 seconds!
Echoing Garland's sentiments, FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the extensive financial toll Hnaihen's rampage inflicted on both the power facility and local enterprises. In no uncertain terms, Wray affirmed that any form of violence or property destruction aimed at intimidation is unacceptable and will be met with relentless pursuit and prosecution by law enforcement agencies.
With his arrest on July 11, Hnaihen now potentially faces decades behind bars—a testament to the gravity with which federal authorities view such offenses. Each threat could land him 10 years in federal prison, while the destruction of an energy facility could see him sentenced to 20 years if convicted.
This case is far from isolated—it sends a clear message that terrorism under any guise will not find safe harbor on American soil. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan leads the prosecution effort for the Middle District of Florida with backing from the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. As this case progresses through our judicial system, it serves as a stark reminder: America remains unwavering in its commitment to protect its citizens and uphold justice against those who seek harm upon its bedrock principles and alliances.
